Super Eagles Coach Austin Eguavoen addresses Tosin Adarabioyo’s potential switch to Nigeria
Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen, has responded to growing reports suggesting that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is set to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Adarabioyo, 27, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, is eligible to represent both the Three Lions and the Super Eagles.
The centre-back, who came through the ranks at Manchester City and had a standout season at Fulham before moving to Chelsea this summer, has represented England at various youth levels but has yet to receive a senior team call-up. With no selection from Gareth Southgate for the Euros, it is now believed that Adarabioyo is reconsidering his options and is open to playing for Nigeria.
In a recent interview, Eguavoen confirmed that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is monitoring Adarabioyo’s situation. While he hasn’t personally spoken with the Chelsea defender, Eguavoen acknowledged the player’s quality and affirmed that any Nigerian player worldwide has the opportunity to play for the national team.
“I didn’t speak with Tosin, but he’s a good player,” Eguavoen told reporters. “He’s one of the players we’re monitoring. Every Nigerian playing worldwide has the right to play for Nigeria, including Tosin.”
If Adarabioyo opts to represent Nigeria, he could form a formidable partnership with established Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong, bolstering the national team’s defensive lineup. With crucial AFCON qualifiers approaching, including a double-header against Libya in two weeks, securing a player of Adarabioyo’s caliber would be a significant boost for Nigeria’s squad.
Eguavoen remains focused on preparing the team for their upcoming matches as speculation continues to swirl around Adarabioyo’s potential allegiance switch.
